Which do you think is better? Does anyone have any reviews of either of these products? What are the pros and cons of each? Which is best for the money?
SSB: http://newyorkbarbells.com/im-0210.html
Top Squat: http://topsquat.com/
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01-07-2007, 03:26 PM #1
Safety Squat Bar vs. Dave Draper's Top Squat
Last edited by vikingsrule92; 01-07-2007 at 03:34 PM.
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01-07-2007, 03:32 PM #2
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01-07-2007, 03:32 PM #3
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01-07-2007, 03:33 PM #4
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01-07-2007, 05:35 PM #5
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01-07-2007, 06:44 PM #6
I purchased a Top Squat and have had no problems with it. I bought it because I injured my rotator cuff and it was very uncomfortable to grasp the bar when squatting. For this purpose, it has been good....but I am very careful to still use good form. Having said that, you should know that I have not done any REAL heavy ( for me) squats yet. As I go heavier, I have a natural tendency (and I think we all may) to sgueeze the bar tighter.....and as I squeeze tighter, I do feel my shoulder engaing ever so slightly. So I do worry that the Top Squat does has not solved all my sproblems. I was not aware of the Safety Squat when I made my purchase and if I had it to do over, I would have opted for the Saf Squat. In fact, I may still buy it.
I should add though that I love the Top Squat for my Good mornings. It is VERY comfortable. Likewise, I also use it for my lunges with little problem. Over it is a good versatile piece of equipment that is worth its weight in gold if you have a rotator cuff problem. I just get the feeling that the Safety Squat might be even better....even if it is more costly.
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01-07-2007, 06:50 PM #7
Can't really say anything about the top squat because I've never used it. I did take look at the video of Dave using it and from that, I think the only reason someone should get one is if they have shoulder or other issues preventing them from doing squats with a regular bar. That is the main reason why Dave invented the top squat.
The handles on the SSB are much closer together and runs striaght down across the clavicle bone thus spreading some of the weight to the front. This along with curve of the bar that is almost parallel to the handles allows for the hands free usage. Dave Tate and other powerlifters has emphasize a lot about how the SSB develops lower and upper back strength and tightness during squats. I never knew what they meant until I started using one.
My vote is for the SSB and I'm willing to dish out the extra cash for it.
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01-07-2007, 07:21 PM #8
I got a chance to actually use a 'Top Squat' tonight, and I liked it. It's a different tool than a Safety squat bar, so you really cant say one is 'better' than the other. I stated before that the safety squat bar was "more versatile", and I still say that, but thats not to say that the Top Squat isnt a worthwhile piece. It performed exactly as advertised, and feels more like a conventional squat (which it is), than the Safety squat. I say get both if you can
Don't complicate things by making things complicated.....
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01-07-2007, 07:35 PM #9
There's also the cambered squat bar:
http://newyorkbarbells.tv/im-0200.html
I feel like my torso is kind of long, so when I squat with a normal straight bar it really feels like I lean forward too much. I'd like to try something like that cambered bar to see what it would feel like to squat with the center of gravity lowered.
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01-08-2007, 04:47 AM #10
I bought this one about a month ago. It was really the cheapest one I could find. Just a very little bit cheaper than NYBB. They were good to deal with and it took about 4 days to get to me. The bar is badass though. It's a monster and really would've liked the shorter version. This sucker weighs 65#. It is nice for doing squats though.
http://cgi.ebay.com/SAFETY-SQUAT-BAR...em250063038962
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01-08-2007, 01:59 PM #11
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01-08-2007, 03:27 PM #12
Sorry about that. Man I couldn't imagine that friggin bar needing to be bigger than that. Here is what I thought you were talking about.
http://www.power-systems.com/nav/clo...67&Power/Yoke™
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01-08-2007, 03:59 PM #13
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01-08-2007, 04:22 PM #14
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01-08-2007, 04:30 PM #15
Hmmmmm... Your correct !!!
I didn't think about not being able to use it in the rack..nice catch
Thanks
Blue
PS:I have the GHR with the hamstring leg extension and let me tell you..It's so smooth and solid .It has pillow block bearings which are so smooth and quiet as a mouse peeing on cotton.
I also bought the foot rest attachment for it and they sent me the BIG foot attachment at no extra cost.
I'm glad I went thru with the purchase Very happy
Takecare and be well
BlueLast edited by Bluerain; 01-08-2007 at 04:32 PM.
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01-08-2007, 05:34 PM #16
Here's a little info I found on getting the best use out of the glute/ham raise http://www.biggerfasterstronger.com/...Ham%20Book.pdf
Don't complicate things by making things complicated.....
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01-08-2007, 05:50 PM #17
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01-08-2007, 06:30 PM #18
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01-09-2007, 11:39 AM #19
i have the safety squat bar from nybarbells, and i love it
it is absolutely invaluable for me, since i had shoulder surgery and can't squat
it also makes lunges, step-ups, "strongman walks", and good mornings more effective and "easier" to do (easier for your balance, tougher for your muscles)
i'd recommend the bar to anyone
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01-09-2007, 04:16 PM #20
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01-09-2007, 04:21 PM #21
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01-09-2007, 04:27 PM #22
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01-10-2007, 07:42 AM #23
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01-10-2007, 11:08 AM #24
I have both.
The Top Squat is nice, in theory, because you don't have to buy and store another bar. In practice, at higher weights (say over 200) the bar wobbles or shifts inside the Top Squat and it feels very unsafe. I have stopped using it because of this issue.
The safety squat bar from New York barbells is my favorite. It is easy to position the weight on your back and then steady it with the handles. I have shoulder issues that prevent squatting with a standard bar, but I can squat again with the safety squat bar.
Good luck on your decision.
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01-10-2007, 01:29 PM #25
For sure and I do enjoy using it for goodmornings as well. It's really good for people with shoulder problems like you mentioned in another thread as that's why I bought it originally.
I just wish they would have gone lighter on the bar's end knurling, it wears the heck out of plates...............
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery;
none but ourselves can free our minds
Marcus Garvey
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01-14-2007, 01:31 PM #26
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01-14-2007, 01:55 PM #27
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01-14-2007, 02:02 PM #28
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01-14-2007, 02:11 PM #29
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01-14-2007, 02:30 PM #30
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